How To Clean Gemstone Beads

Gemstone beads are some of the most beautiful and high-impact pieces you can use in bead-making. They add gorgeous natural colour and texture to any combination and, when looked after, provide a high-quality finished product that can be enjoyed for years to come. 

How to clean gemstone beads

Cleaning gemstone beads isn’t hard, and it’s the best way to keep them shining. There are, however, a few rules you’ll need to follow to get the best gleaming results and not risk damage. Let’s break them down.

Our tips for cleaning gemstone beads

• Store your beads properly

They say the best defence is a good offence, so start your journey cleaning gemstone beads by maintaining their condition in the first place. Gemstones rarely respond well to direct sunlight, so store your beads in a clean, dry and cool place out of direct sunlight. This will stop them from prematurely fading, and keeping them in separate areas will prevent the beads from dulling or scratching from friction with other beads.

• Know your types of gemstones

Not all gems are created equal — each type has very specific preferences for temperature, appropriate cleaning materials, hardness and more. For some gems like amber and amethyst, the safest cleaning method is with a soft brush and polishing cloth, as they’re very susceptible to chemicals and extreme temperatures. Likewise, emeralds should be kept away from hot water or steam cleaning. Tourmaline is also sensitive to heat but is relatively hardy when it comes to chemical cleaners. You should avoid soaking opals altogether, as prolonged exposure to water damages them.

When choosing your gemstone beads, make sure you buy them from a trusted source and always double-check best practices for cleaning gemstone beads of a certain type specifically.

• Stay away from strong chemicals

They may seem as hard and solid as a stone, but gems can actually be quite fragile and can be easily tarnished by cleaning gemstone beads with strong chemicals. Any jewellery cleaners that contain ammonia are a no-go, especially for gemstones like pearl and amber, as they quickly erode at the surface. 

To be safe, avoid any strongly formulated cleaners and opt for mechanical (i.e. scrubbing) solutions over chemical ones. 

• Use more elbow grease than product

Your safest bet for cleaning gemstone beads is to use a lukewarm solution with a few drops of dish detergent and let time and elbow grease do most of the work. If your gems can be soaked in water, leave them to soak for 30 minutes to loosen up any dirt or grime. Simply skip this step for gemstones that can’t rest in a solution. Follow with a very soft-bristled toothbrush with a little soapy water to gently scrub and buff away at the gemstone. Rinse under cool (but not freezing water) and dry completely with a polish cloth to reveal its lustre.

• Wear your gemstones with care

Taking care of your gemstone jewellery pieces will go a long way to prolonging their life. Avoid swimming with them, spraying them with perfume and treating them delicately, and you’ll be rewarded with years of shine and enjoyment.

Ready to create your next gemstone masterpiece? At Beads N Crystals, we have the best range of beads for all your creative pursuits. Shop our high-quality beads and get inspired today!